Say goodbye to limp lettuce and frost-bitten steaks with our picks for the best vacuum sealers on the market.
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6 Best Vacuum Sealers of 2024
Updated Apr. 15, 2024
Are you tired of wasting money on spoiled groceries and do you want to ensure that your food lasts longer? Then a vacuum sealer is a must-have kitchen tool. Navigating food storage guidelines that keep food fresh and safe can be difficult, but the best vacuum sealers help make the process easier.
While there are plenty of food storage containers on the market, vacuum sealers make a huge difference in storing and enjoying food. These helpful gadgets remove all the air from vacuum seal bags or containers, creating an airtight seal. By eliminating the air, they prevent food from being exposed to oxygen, which is one of the main factors in food deterioration. In essence, the process slows spoilage and allows you to enjoy fresher, healthier food for a longer period of time. Additionally, when freezing food, vacuum sealing items before placing them in the freezer prevents the formation of crystals that cause freezer burn. It also helps maintain the freshness and taste of food stored in the freezer.
Choosing the best vacuum sealer depends on the functionality you require. For instance, if you plan to vacuum seal a lot of meat, select one with a “moist” mode. Alternatively, opt for a machine with a “dry” setting to preserve cupboard staples such as cereal, rice or pasta. Read on to discover the best food saver vacuum sealer for every type of need.
Best Vacuum Sealers of 2023
- Best overall: Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
- Best budget: Bonsenkitchen Food Sealer Machine
- Best for small spaces: Potane Precision Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Best handheld: FoodSaver Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer
- Best professional: Weston Sealer Machine for Food Preservation & Sous Vide
- Best battery operated: ODSD Mini Bag Sealer
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Best overall
Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
The Nesco Deluxe is one of the best vacuum sealers that offers the perfect all-in-one solution to keep food fresh. It has three settings: dry, moist and double heat seal. You can choose between normal or gentle pressure to prevent more delicate items like cookies, crackers and cereal from breaking up under the vacuum’s force. There is also a pulse option that provides greater control over the entire process to ensure that food remains intact.
The user-friendliness of this machine is exceptional. It offers easy locking and unlocking mechanisms, along with a timer that counts down when manually sealing items. Additionally, it has an accessory port to conveniently attach a hose (sold separately) for suctioning extra air from jars and canisters. Another standout feature is its built-in storage for suction bags and integrated bag cutter, which allows you to create perfectly sized bags for any item.
Pros
- High-quality multi-use machine
- Lightweight
- Ideal for fragile food
- Two vacuum sealer bag rolls included
- More than 6,800 five-star ratings on Amazon
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s noisy
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Best budget
Bonsenkitchen Food Sealer Machine
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly, professional-grade vacuum sealer, look no further than the Bonsenkitchen Food Sealer Machine. Don’t let the nice price fool you: It operates quickly, fully sealing bags in just 12 seconds. Operation is easy with a digital touch screen panel on the top with five one-touch buttons, making it accessible for anyone to use.
This machine features dual wet and dry settings. The wet mode is specifically designed for sealing meat and seafood, effectively preserving their moisture for up to 25 days. On the other hand, the dry mode is ideal for preserving fruits, nuts and other snacks. It’s also compact and lightweight, weighing only 2.6 pounds, so it’s easy to store and transport. Additionally, it comes with an air suction hose that allows you to seal external items like crisper jars and boxes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Quiet when in use
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- No automatic sealing function
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Best for small spaces
Potane Precision Vacuum Sealer Machine
This Potane model is one of the best vacuum sealers for small spaces. Offering both power and reliability, its compact design doesn’t skimp on functionality. The impressive 120-watt motor delivers excellent performance while maintaining a surprisingly quiet operation. If you have a large number of items to seal or you’re in a rush, this vacuum sealer works quickly to ensure efficiency.
The machine offers both manual and automatic options, as well as moist and dry modes, making it versatile for preserving a wide range of foods. With the convenience of built-in bag storage and a cutter, everything remains neat and organized. Plus, the reusable food storage bags contribute to waste reduction and help you save money in the long run.
Pros
- Compact size
- Seals more than just food
- Effortless one-handed operation
- Reusable food storage bags
Cons
- Works better with flat items
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Best handheld
FoodSaver Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer
Stop searching for the best food saver vacuum sealer because we discovered the ideal solution to lock in flavor and freshness while on the move. This convenient and compact cordless sealer can live in a cupboard or sit neatly on the countertop with its dedicated charging dock. Whether you’re camping or enjoying a picnic with the kids and want to avoid leaving an open bag of chips, it’s the perfect on-the-go companion.
Another notable attribute: Its removable liquid reservoir makes it one of the best vacuum sealers that’s incredibly easy to keep clean. Additionally, it comes with two quart-sized zipper bags and a 10-cup preserve and marinate container, further enhancing its versatility and functionality.
Pros
- Small and easy to handle
- Strong suction
- Battery powered cordless design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Short battery life
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Best professional
Weston Sealer Machine for Food Preservation & Sous Vide
This professional-grade vacuum sealer is perfect for both high-volume sealing and regular home use. A user-friendly design features a simple one-touch operation, while a powerful 935-watt motor allows you to whizz through jobs quickly. Choose between two sealing modes: The automatic sealing function completes the process in just six seconds. The manual option allows you to stop the sealing process as needed, ensuring the preservation of delicate items like bread without the risk of squashing.
Although this machine may not fall into the budget category, its extensive range of features justifies its price, making it a worthwhile purchase for serious sealers. It’s worth noting that this is a substantial machine (it weighs 23 pounds), so ensure you have a dedicated space for it before making the investment.
Pros
- Solid and durable professional-grade machine
- Has a built-in fan for continuous use
- Manual and automatic modes
- Fast and powerful 935-watt motor
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- Heavier than other models
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Best battery operated
ODSD Mini Bag Sealer
These mini bag sealers excel at handling small jobs. Whether you need to seal an opened bag of chips or keep your salad, fruits and veggies fresh, this compact sealer is a must-have tool for any kitchen. The handheld design operates on batteries for optimal convenience and portability.
It features a magnetic back that allows you to keep it securely attached to the fridge for easy access. Or use the built-in loop to hang it from a hook. The best part? You don’t need special bags, as it works on most chip, pet food, cookie and vacuum bags. It’s an extremely useful option to have on hand for alfresco picnics or when you’re traveling.
Pros
- Compact battery-operated design
- Affordable
- Works on a variety of bags
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say the on/off switch is difficult to move
What to consider when buying a vacuum sealer
There are several factors to consider when deciding on the best vacuum sealer for you. Firstly, you need to think about what you’ll be using it for, including the types of ingredients, and then cross-check that with the machine’s capabilities. It’s always important to look for a vacuum sealer with strong suction power. The best food vacuum sealer should also allow you to adjust the sealing time and temperature to accommodate different types of bags and foods.
Also, consider the versatility and functionality of the vacuum sealer. Some models offer additional features such as the ability to marinate meat, seal delicate items without crushing them, or even provide a pulse function for precise control. It is also worth taking note of the design and size, too. If you’re limited on counter space, then a handheld or compact option works best. Also, it’s important to consider the availability and cost of bags or rolls as they will be an ongoing expense.
Types of vacuum sealers
There are three types of vacuum sealers:
- External vacuum sealers typically consist of a vacuum sealing unit and specially-designed vacuum-seal bags or rolls.
- Chamber vacuum sealers require the item you’re sealing to be placed inside the machine.
- Handheld vacuum sealers are compact and operated by hand.
How we found the best vacuum sealer
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like, and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How do you use vacuum sealers?
Vacuum sealers remove air from around a food and use a heated seal bar to create an airtight lock. Various models work differently, but in general, to use a vacuum sealer you’ll start by placing the food in the bag, leaving some space at the top. Align the bag with the seal bar, ensuring it lies flat. Start the sealing process, and once complete, the food is airtight to maximize storage space and optimize freshness.
How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
This depends on the type of food you’re using. However, vacuum-sealed foods will last around one to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to two years in the freezer.
How do you clean vacuum sealers?
One of the best things about vacuum sealers is how easy they are to clean. Simply wipe down the exterior after each use to remove any dirt or debris. For internal cleaning, make sure the machine has completely cooled down before proceeding, and remember to unplug it first.
Originally Published: June 26, 2023
